Donnie Rowe

Donnie Gene Rowe passed away September 27, 2016, at home on the family farm in North Bell County, with family by his side, after a lengthy illness. A visitation will be Thursday, September 29 from 6 to 8 pm at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Drive. A graveside service will be 10:30 am, Friday, September 30, at Moody cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Delores Wooley Rowe of Troy, Texas, siblings: Gracie Geraldine and James, Earl and Jane Guthrie; five children: Donna and Johnny Reyes, Curtis and Angie Rowe, Billy and Rhonda Wooley, Don and Bea Wooley, Brenda and Grady Ary; thirteen grandchildren; eight great- grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floy Rowe and Gracie Rowe, son, Floy Wesley (Butch) Rowe, Wife, Alma Fay Rowe, great- grandson, Jackson Amis and great-granddaughter, Kaylee Babick.
Donnie was born at home and reared on the family farm, graduating from Bruceville- Eddy High School in 1955 and earned an Associate’s Degree from Tarlton State College. He was a mechanic at heart and worked at American Motors, Waco Dodge, Amaco Transmissions, and was a service manager for Heart of Texas Motors for several years. He specialized in automatic transmissions. Then an opportunity arose and he joined the faculty at TSTI, now TSTC, as one of the first automotive instructors, retiring in 1999. While at TSTC, he was one of the first instructors to pass a very difficult and extensive entrance exam of some eight automotive categories on his very first setting. Following his retirement, he had time for his “first” love of farming. He managed the family farm as well as leasing additional land in the community up until two years prior to his death.
Circle track racing was his hobby and he began his 13 year racing career in 1962. He drove his own #54 cars and later drove the #15 cars for Bob and Sheila Tidwell. Donnie won the 1962 Good Sportsman Award and the 1965 Most Popular Driver at the Heart of Texas Speedway. He held the track record of 17.37 at Hillsboro Speedway for three years. Donnie is remembered as a tough competitor and a good sportsman always showing respect for the sport and his fellow competitor’s .He joined the Bethany Baptist Church where he met his wife, Delores and they were married in 2005. During their time together they were able to travel and one of their favorites--- their annual vacations to Branson, Missouri.